2015 Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI review, test drive

What is it?

The inevitable diesel version of the brand new Mercedes-Benz C-class, and Merc’s second new launch (out of a planned 15) for this year. Last December, the company elected to launch the new C only in fully loaded, fully imported petrol guise, and it was only a matter of time before the diesel version came along. The thing is, while local assembly of the petrol version has begun, this C 220 CDI is still an import, but apart from the fully kitted-out 'Avantgarde' trim we're testing here, you can have it in a lower-spec 'Style' trim as well. Local assembly will follow eventually and with it the equipment spec of the car could change, but for now, this is it.

The car will debut in ‘C 220 CDI’ guise, with no immediate plans for the more powerful, twin-turbo ‘250 CDI’ motor that you find in the E-class and M-class. This means the new C-class diesel produces 168bhp and 40.78kgm of torque, which goes through a seven-speed torque converter auto to the rear wheels. 

That aside, it’s pretty much identical to the C 200 petrol model, and that means S-class-inspired styling (a good thing), a fresh-looking, high-quality interior with many parts lifted from the S-class (a very good thing) and loads of equipment. And it’s not just obvious features like the ambient cabin lighting, high-res infotainment screen, navigation or the touchpad, but also subtler things you’ll notice further down the line, like the electrically adjustable steering wheel, and the proper two-pin plug at the rear to charge your laptop. Thoughtful stuff.

The cabin is still the highlight of this car, and offers a superb sense of luxury and occasion. Likewise, however, the rear bench – where many owners will spend most of their time – while good enough on legroom, is a little short on headroom, very short on thigh support, and not quite up there with the class best on overall comfort.